Erin Kuhn
Erin Kuhn is an interdisciplinary artist based in New Jersey. Her work is a celebration of duality that explores magic, mythology, intersectional feminism, and queer identity. Her abstract figurative work celebrates the human experience and champions marginalized voices. Kuhn primarily works with paint on canvas and wood, cut paper, resin, and carefully selected objects.
She earned her BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art and has been exhibiting her work nationally in galleries and museums. She had a solo exhibition in 2021 and has received several awards from Mayor Fulop of Jersey City for her artistic excellence and commitment to community engagement through the arts. Kuhn won an international photography award in 2023 and, in 2024, was featured with a full interview in Create! Magazine.
Contact
www.lightfoxstudios.com | www.mysticpeachfox.com
lightfoxdesigns@gmail.com
@peachf0x
Interview
What inspires your art practice and keeps you motivated?
I layer darker conceptual themes under a cheery color palette. Right beneath the surface of warm peach sunsets and calming pools of teal are little reminders of our mortality or of the pervading nuisance of patriarchy and oppression. My work celebrates queer bodies embracing their self-agency in a world where laws are still shifting and changing, stripping both women and LGBTQIA individuals of bodily autonomy and rights.
My work celebrates the magic of being alive. Drawing breath on this planet spinning through space is a miracle. I paint mystical symbols as a reminder that life itself is magical.
The erasure and suppression of marginalized voices right now in society keeps me motivated and reminds me of the duty that artists have in times when freedom of expression is under threat.
How does your mission as an artist influence the work you create?
My mission as an artist centers on celebrating the complexity of existence and advocating for marginalized voices. This intention shapes every aspect of my work, from the themes I choose to explore to the materials I use. I aim to create art that resonates on both a personal and universal level, inviting viewers to reflect on their own narratives. By layering conceptual depth beneath vibrant colors, I strive to create a dialogue about agency, identity, and the magic of being alive. My work is a reminder that even amidst challenges, there is beauty and strength in our shared humanity.
Can you share a key part of your creative process that helps you stay focused?
My art practice is ritual-based. Before I dive into a painting or wade through piles of paper, I set my intentions, light candles on my altar, and spend 20 minutes meditating. I select my materials like ingredients in a spell. I dilute my inks and paint with moon water and use corresponding crystals and herbs in my mark-making.
I spend a great deal of time researching and considering the paints I choose. I love the sentimentality and symbolism of found objects. I love playing with texture and color. I use highly pigmented paints, select colors that nearly vibrate next to each other, and employ so many fun little recycled pieces of everyday life to create textures in my art. I love reusing and recycling things and am very conscientious about waste and environmental impact in my studio practice.
Throughout my day, I’m always observing and absorbing my visual environment. I will select a rock, twig, or feather I find on my morning hikes and later use them as materials in my art. So when I’m in the studio, focused on creating something, I often have a visual index of little items I’ve collected that provide a Eureka! moment when I am seeking an object, shape, or pattern. The little elements and scraps I’ve collected get worked into my art. It keeps me focused and connected all the time to how I move through the world and experience things as an artist.
What mindset tip do you rely on to overcome challenges in your art career?
I embrace the mantra that growth often comes from discomfort. In moments of challenge, I remind myself that every setback is an opportunity to learn and evolve. I practice self-compassion, allowing myself to feel frustration or doubt without judgment. This mindset shift enables me to reframe obstacles as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Engaging with my artistic community for support and feedback also helps me navigate these challenges, reminding me that I’m not alone on this journey.
How do you hope your art impacts the world or your community?
I hope my art serves as a catalyst for conversation and connection. My goal is to inspire individuals to reflect on their own experiences and the shared narratives that unite us. I aspire to create spaces where marginalized voices are amplified, encouraging viewers to embrace their own stories and identities. By intertwining beauty with deeper themes, I want my work to evoke a sense of wonder and resilience, reminding us all of the magic inherent in our lives.
